The business tourism industry is entering a new era with the emergence of “sustainable events”. In a world where sustainability has become an important concern, the industry is committed to adopting eco-responsible practices without giving up its dynamism.
According to Martin Soucy, CEO of the Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance, it is clear that the post-pandemic tourism sector will remain very different from what it was before. It raises one of the key elements of this transformation: the reduction of the environmental footprint of tourism, associated with transport in particular. However, even international events, often requiring energy-intensive air travel, can reduce their environmental impact once there by adhering to sound industry practices.
Orchestrated by VIA Rail and the federal government, the TGF would connect Toronto to Quebec at a speed of 200 km/h, serving the cities of Montreal, Laval and Trois-Rivières along the way. Martin Soucy is optimistic about the positive impact of the future TGF on the sustainability of business events: “The train is a sustainable mode of travel which will have the opportunity to move a large number of people on interesting frequencies, allowing business tourists to prioritize this means of transport. »
The President and CEO is sure that the Quebec business tourism industry is ready to reinvent itself and highlight sustainability: “We want to become a leader in sustainable and responsible tourism, applying this ambition to business tourism . » This desire is materialized through tangible actions, notably during the largest business gathering in Quebec, Rendez-vous Canada, where all the glasses used were recyclable and the products consumed were local, thereby stimulating the economy. Proximity.
The statistics reflect this growing commitment to sustainability. Geneviève Turner, general director of Sustainable Tourism Quebec, reveals that 72% of businesses in the tourism industry in Quebec are part of the sustainable events movement. It highlights the need for clearer standards and common indicators to assess the eco-responsibility of each business event, and campaigns in this direction.
Municipal authorities are also contributing to this drive towards sustainability. The mayor of Laval, Stéphane Boyer, discusses the major ecological measures taken by his city, in particular the increase in the availability of public transport, the adoption of a climate plan of 276 million dollars over a period of five years to convert all municipal buildings to sustainable energy and the introduction of new eco-fiscal measures in Laval territory.
The business tourism industry in Quebec is therefore preparing for a green revolution. As sustainable initiatives multiply, standards strengthen and eco-responsible collaborations develop, the industry is positioning itself not only to grow, but also to be a key player in protecting the environment. In a constantly evolving world, Quebec is leading the way in sustainable and eco-responsible events.